Event Description

Brahmatal is one of the very few winter treks which can be done during the months of January and February. Known to be one of the most stunning and adventurous places to explore in the Himalayas, it is not very difficult to scale. It is a secluded lake amidst the ridge where Lord Brahma meditated as per the mythology scriptures. You can get tempted to take the challenge of climbing this peak simply looking at the amount of snow covered upon it during the winter season.

Apart from forests, you get impressive views of the Himalayas. The secluded lake of Brahmatal is a beautiful paradise during the winter season with the snow gently falling on its slopes and you get to see completely covered snowfall on the upper side of Uttarakhand. The frozen lake is totally surrounded by mighty Himalayan ranges. Common sights are the summits which rise up at over 7,000 meters on such treks. As a trekker, you get the advantage of such close up views of huge mountains.

The ticket price from Delhi to Kathgodam by train for a second class sleeper is Rs. 180 and for third A/C sleeper ticket, it’s Rs.450/-

By train:

From Delhi, you need to take the Ranikhet Ecpress (5014) departure from Delhi at 10:40 pm to arrive at Kathgodam at 5:30 am, the next day. This is an overnight journey. You can even opt for the Uttar Sampark Kranti (5035) departure from Delhi at 4:00 pm and reach Kathgodam at 10:40 pm – total six hours 40 minutes journey.

From Deharadun, you can take the Doon Express (4120) departure from Dehardun at 10:30 pm and arriving at Kathgodam at 7:10 pm, total of 8 hours journey.

By Bus:

If you are opting for bus, then there are regular buses that are travelling from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. These buses go to Nainital and stops at Haldwani, a twin town of Kathgodam. This is an 8 hours journey.

Mountaineering professional and qualified trek leader, guide and support staff

Exclusive costs include

Any kind of personal expenses.

Food during the transit.

Insurance

Transportation charges from Kathgodam to Loharjung and back.

Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.

Anything not specifically mentioned under the head

Important Note:

Normally the organization from whom you are opting for this trek expects you to carry your personal luggage on your own. However, if you do not want to carry your backpack as its heavy, you can give it to porter. For this, you need to inform the organization well in advance and pay Rs. 300/- extra per day per bag. To book a Trek/ adventure program, you can use the online booking form. Otherwise, you can call on the given for confirmation of tour for which you need to wire a deposit and initial deposit.

Paying the Trekking fees:

The fees can be entirely paid by either online transfer/deposit of cheque/ demand draft. The payment instruction will be forwarded along with your confirmation email to you. When the transfer is done, you can e-mail a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that the organization can follow up your reservation efficiently.

When you can book:

It is advisable that you make your booking at least two months prior to your trek. But, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, it’s recommended that you organize your trip at least five months well in advance.

If you want to cancel the trek services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons, you can notify the same in writing. The cancellation charges will be effective from the date the organization receives advice in writing.

Note:-

In any change of the trek batch, it is totally dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.

In case of transferring a trek to your friend, he/she needs to satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by the organization offering the trek services.

The organization has the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.

Things To Carry

1. Warm shirt/ light micro fleece pullover/ full sleeve T-shirt

2. Water resistant trekking pants (Dri-fit)

3. Windproof/ water resistant jacket, down jacket with min 600 fill power rating

The drive from Kathgodam foothills of the Himalayan ranges to Lohajung base camp takes 10 hours of nice prelude to the trek. The rivers flow by Deodar forests and passes through Almora, Kausani and Gwaldom.

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which connects it to the wide rail network in India. This railway station is 25 kms away from Nainital. Haldwani, another famous city is 9 kms away from Kathgodam. From Kathgodam, it might take you 8-10 hours to reach Lohajung, which is a nice prologue for your trek. So it is advised that you start very early so that the drive to Kathgodam does not get disturbed.

The drive from Kathgodam to Lohajung offers you some beautiful places like Bhimtal, famous for its tranquil lake. You pass through some of the popular regions of Uttarakhand together with Almora, Kausani and Baijnath. At Kausani, you can take a break to view the beauty of the Himalayan ranges. With your camera, you can click some wonderful pictures of the natural serenity. From Kausani, you see Kamet along with Ghori Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Mrigthuni, Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat to Panchachuli group. There is a renowned tea factory and shawls woven by the local artisans which can be an interesting visit for you.

You see greenery all around you; you can see rivers flowing by, the thick Deodar forests and such mountain panorama, all of which are worth every second of it. At Deval, there is a last ATM if you wish to buy few things on your way up the trek, or choose ATMs at Gwaldam. Also, you can buy necessary medicines from Deval and Gwaldam. From Deval, its an hour drive to reach Lohajung, if you reach before it is night, you can see scenic splendid views like Nanda Ghunti awaiting you.

Moreover, it is advisable that you buy any remaining necessary things along with you from Lohajung store as further up there aren’t any stores to buy items. These may include jackets, hand gloves, shoes, caps etc. Further, you cannot rely on your mobile to get coverage in these regions of Himalayas.

Legend has it that Lohajung is a place where Goddess Parvati had a fight with the demon, Lohasur. So Lohajung is literally translated as ‘fight with Lohasur’. Overall, your first day Brahmatal trek take you from Kathgodam to Lohajung, to the deep forests in Uttarakhand, Mount Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and nearby green ranges making it an impressive appearance from Gwaldom.

Day two: Lohajung to Bekaltal; altitude of 2,320 m to 3,010 m;

You trek from Lohajung to Bekaltal, which approximately takes 4-5 hours. At Lohajung, you ascend from Bisht General stores on a well marked stone trail, passing through the upper region, through the beautiful forest trails of rhododendron trees. Rhododendron trees are in their full bloom during the months of February and March.

There are few houses lined here as you enter oak forest to reach Bekaltal. There is village by name Mandoli, which you see after a short while. You spot the Kail valley as you climb higher. This valley is noticeable by the blending of Pindari and Kail rivers. Moving on further, you see water pipes which supply water to Lohajung. As you move ahead, you come across Budla, a few clustered houses are lined up along with Rhododendron trees. If you are trekking in the months of February or March, you can spot these trees fully bloomed.

Bordered by the oak trees, Bekaltal is an amazing sight to see during the winter season when it is totally frozen. As you reach further up around 2590 meters, you need to cross a ling gaad, which is a 10 meter bridge, to help you cross the stream. It is advisable to take a break at Begum, a beautiful sight offering you impressive views of Navali Bugyal. The breath taking view can certainly relieve you from your tiredness.

It will take 15 minutes from Begum to reach another stream and another hour walk to reach Gujrani stream. You can walk for 70 minute more and reach Bekaltal. Amidst the thick oak forest, the lake gleams peacefully during the summer season and during the winter, it’s totally frozen. Your day two trek ends here, where you camp nearby a beautiful lake, Khopdaliya.

Day three: Bekaltal to Khabekhal or Brahmatal; altitude of 3,010 m to 3,273 m; time travelled – 3-4 hours

On day three trail, you can choose either to trek till the quiet Brahmatal Lake or camp at Khabekhal. When you start your trail at Bekaltal to reach Brahmatal, you will pass through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron trees for about an hour. This walk takes you to Telandi. If Brahmatal is your destination, you continue to walk and take a trail which descends towards the right. Popular landmark to see is a house without any roof. The Himalayas weather decides the trail and campsites of the trekkers.

Day four: Brahmatal to Daldum through the peak of Brahmatal (3,846m); altitude – 3,270 m to 2,850 m; time taken to travel – 7 hours

This is the day where you get to climb Brahmatal. You can either choose to carry your back pack or return to the Daldum campsite. The trek of an hour takes you to Chota Jhandidar. From here, you go through Choda and Bada Jhandidar to reach your destination. This is a curvy trail which is squeezed in between valleys on either side. Almost 3 hours later, you reach atop the Brahmatal peak.

When you are ascending, to your right you see the magnificent Himalayan ranges, especially Mount Trishul, which is quite close to you and Nanda Ghunti. As you reach Brahmatal top and if the weather is good, you can get a wonderful view of the entire Himalayan range from this trail. Daldum, the campsite is 3 hours away from the peak, from where you descend through the forests.

Day five: Daldum to Lohajung; descend altitude – 2,850 m to 2,325 m; time taken to travel is 3 hours.

After a nightful of rest at the campsite, you get energized the next day to descend. Lohajung is around 3.7 kms and almost 3 hours away. You reach Malling in half an hour after you exit the forests. Once here you see few houses of the villages on the slopes, taking you back to civilization. Here, you get face to face with civilization. The settlements here have few crops, mostly potatoes, which villagers grow for few months. You follow the man-made stone trail, leading back to Lohajung.

Day six: Lohajung to Kathgodam

You drive down to Haridwar passing through Dev prayag, Bhagirathi and Alaknanda joined together. The Kathgodam railway station is known to be one of the main and oldest stations in the district. This station has a good connectivity to many places including Howrah, Delhi and Lucknow. It is mandatory to book your tickets at least a month prior to your trek.